Dion Teaupa has capped a dream first season in the NSW Cup with the South Sydney Rabbitohs by being named in Kristian Woolf’s 22-man Tonga squad to play in the three-match Test series against England.
The young five-eighth was a key member of the Bunnies side which snapped a 40-year NSW Cup title drought when they edged the North Sydney Bears 22-18, before they went on to beat the Brisbane Tigers in the State Championship.
Who is Dion Teaupa? NSW Cup star named in Tonga’s test squad
Teaupa only made his NSW Cup debut for South Sydney in Round 6 this year after previously impressing in Jersey Flegg and in the youth ranks where he has been ever since joining as a 15-year-old.
MORE: Kristian Woolf names his Tonga squad to take on England in Test series
"The main thing that I’ve enjoyed is learning more from the experienced players like Cody [Walker]," Teaupa told the club’s channel at the start of the year.
"He’s definitely helped me to develop my game already – his vision is something that I want. Every second I have with him I’m trying to learn, pick hi brain and just learn more about the game from his side."
In pre-season, his work with Walker was no more evident than when he dropped the ball onto his foot with a grubber for himself during South Sydney’s match against Manly.
Teaupa scored under the posts with the regather and went on to have an eye-catching game as he finished with two tries and an assist against the Sea Eagles. His 20-minute blitz certainly alerting those watching of his vast potential.
Souths are ON 🔥🔥🔥
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"Teaupa is having a night out the young man," Mick Ennis said on commentary on Fox League.
"He is playing with some confidence, he’s fit, he’s fast and his decision making on the edge has been superb.
"He’s making a name for himself tonight and that’s the great thing about this time of year. On the big stage and under the bright lights, he looks right at home."
After playing his first game of the season in NSW Cup in April, Teaupa slowly became accustomed to the comp as he helped the Bunnies to climb up from second-last on the ladder to eventually being crowned premiers.
Teaupa failed to register a try or an assist in his first five appearances while in the No.6 jersey this year, but things then clicked in a Round 11 win over the Magpies and the youngster went from strength to strength.
In his final seven matches to close out the season in the NSW Cup, Teaupa scored a try in all but two games, while he also laid on three assists.
Dion Teaupa NSW Cup stats 2023
| Games | 21 |
| Tries | 6 |
| Try Assists | 6 |
| Linebreak Assists | 5 |
| Offloads | 10 |
| Forced Drop Outs | 5 |
| Avg. Run Metres | 84m |
| Tackle Efficiency | 91% |
